Community Development & Urban Planning - Advocates for incremental improvements in communities through small, resident-led actions, contrasting with large-scale "mega projects" often favored by politicians [1] - Mega projects often fail to build a sense of community or engage average citizens, leading to a lack of investment and weaker social ties [1] - The "Strong Towns Method" involves observing community struggles, identifying the smallest actionable step, and repeating the process [2] - Post-World War II community planning shifted towards large institutional investors and governments planning entire subdivisions, hindering individual adaptation and fostering isolation [2] - Small actions by a collective of residents can lead to significant community changes [2] Housing Crisis & Solutions - Bloomington Normal faces a housing shortage of at least 4,500 units, projected to potentially grow to 16,000 units in 10 years [2] - A small percentage of homeowners renting out spare rooms or building additional units could democratize the response to the housing crisis [3] Community Engagement & Revitalization - Community engagement activities, such as trash pickups, foster interaction and identification of local problems [3] - Documenting and displaying the history of old homes can create a sense of common identity and encourage community investment [3] - Community land trusts can assist elderly or disabled residents with DIY projects, restoring pride and safety [4] Economic Development - Renting out a VFW post kitchen to startups lowers the barrier to economic participation, enabling small restaurants to test menus and grow their brand [6][7] - Allowing patrons to bring their own food to a bar can foster community and potentially sustain a food truck, promoting economic resilience [8][9]